Friends of Ngong Road

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

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Raymond, the Certified Full-Stack Developer

Raymond receives his certificate at the graduation ceremony

My name is Raymond and I embarked on my transformational journey when I joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) in 2014. Back then, I was a student in grade 4 and I was really happy to become a part of NRCF and start my empowering journey in education. I joined Jagiet Academy where I completed my primary education. After primary school, I transitioned to Makwa Boys High School. This is where my passion for Computer Science began.

This newfound passion made me reconsider my childhood dream of becoming a doctor. Upon completion of my high school studies, I was eager to pursue a career in Software Engineering. I began the computer package training that Belmont College was offering under the program in January. In April, NRCF entered into a partnership with the DirectEd Development Foundation where high school graduates, would be trained in coding and developer skills. I was excited about this partnership, as I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to pursue.

Through my time learning from DirectEd tutors, I underwent a series of modules, each contributing to my growth. However, it was the final module that truly put my skills to the test.

The task was to develop an individual app project capable of addressing real-world problems. My project was termed the “Terminal” and it was a messaging app aimed at providing a platform for seamless communication. Despite the extensive knowledge I had gained, I still needed to bridge some gaps. In order to bridge these gaps, I embarked on another course to learn about socket.io. This is a technology that facilitates real-time and bidirectional communication between web clients. 

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I returned to my project to enhance it. The results were impressive, as “Terminal” stood out as one of the best projects in the class, receiving a score of 60 out of 75. After all the learning, I finally secured merit in Full-Stack Development. I received my certificate during the graduation ceremony. It was held on the 16th of August for the 1st cohort of graduates from the DirectEd coding program. I felt honored.

I am grateful for the support from NRCF and for the learning at DirectEd that has propelled me towards my goal. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue building my skills, exploring new avenues in software development, and contributing to the ever-evolving world of technology.

Transform a life today.

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Gift Ephy with the Gift of Education!

Meet Ephy, a 9-year-old girl filled with dreams and aspirations that are yet to be fulfilled. Ephy has been waiting for a sponsor for over a year now, and her window is closing. She lives in a humble home, surrounded by love from her parents and her younger brother. But life hasn’t been easy for this family, as they rely on the uncertainty of casual labor for their daily bread. Imagine the weight on her father’s shoulders, waking up each day not knowing if there will be work to sustain the family’s needs. Ephy’s mother, with her ill leg, carries a burden of her own as she devotes her days to caring for their precious little brother.

Despite the obstacles, Ephy is an incredibly dedicated student, cherishing every opportunity to learn. She understands the true value of education, knowing that it holds the key to a brighter future. An education sponsorship is her beacon of hope, the golden ticket to a better life. Ephy’s heart beats with a passion for gymnastics, a world where she feels free and alive. In those moments of joy, she dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but these dreams are elusive as financial constraints threaten to steal away her chance at an education.

By supporting Ephy’s educational dreams, you’re not just providing her with a chance at quality education. You’re giving her the wings she needs to soar toward her dreams and transform her life. Your compassionate sponsorship will make a world of difference, opening doors that she never thought possible. Be the shining light that guides Ephy’s path and helps her reach for the stars by providing educational sponsorship for this incredible young girl. Your kindness will echo through time, leaving a lasting impact on a life filled with promise. It doesn’t end there, you can also see more waiting students or donate to support other students and initiatives in the program. Your secure donation will be a worthwhile investment that can break the cycle of poverty for a student. Donate now and let the magic of education flourish in the heart of a young dreamer like Ephy.

Sponsor Ephy!

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A Day of Learning, Growth, and Inspiration

Last Saturday was a special day at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. We welcomed back our high school students who were on holiday, and the presence of our alumni made the day even more special. Mr. Paul Dalizu, one of our board members, also joined us and shared his wisdom with us.

Energetic students joyfully singing our program anthem
Ngong road children’s foundation

The day started with our program anthem, which made us feel refreshed and united. Mr. Paul Dalizu took center stage, captivating everyone with his session on the essence of values, using money as a prime example. His words were profound: much like money’s worth remains undiminished despite any blemishes, our inherent values define us beyond any external imperfections.

Artist proudly displaying her creation.
Ngong road children’s foundation

As midday approached, the students gathered for a nourishing lunch, reenergizing both body and spirit for the pinnacle of the day’s events. Our young primary students were prepared to relive the excitement of our recent All Clubs Day. The day aimed to provide students with distinctive educational experiences while fostering camaraderie among different club members.

The Taekwondo Club instilled physical strength, discipline, and self-defense skills in its members, while the Financial Literacy Club imparted valuable lessons on money management and budgeting. The Book Club encouraged a love for reading and improved reading comprehension, and the Art Club allowed students to express themselves through watercolor painting, nurturing their creativity. 

Dance club members showcasing dynamic moves.
Ngong road children’s foundation

The day wasn’t over for our high school students, as they engaged with Mr. Paul in enlightening sessions about planning, basic skills, focus, and sexual reproductive health from our volunteer sexual reproductive health trainers. The day ended with snacks and a feeling of satisfaction.

Your contributions empower us to orchestrate such impactful events, transforming the lives of these budding minds. You can continue to be a part of our journey in various ways, ensuring our ability to touch even more lives by volunteering, donating or sponsoring a child.

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DirectEd Coding Program Graduation

In a significant effort to bridge the tech gap and equip students with coding skills, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation in April 2023 to offer coding training for high school graduates. This partnership aimed to empower the graduates with coding proficiency, opening doors to a world of opportunities in the ever-evolving tech industry. The program has been taking place for the last few months and was divided into three progressively intensive parts. 

Our students were making use of the Elimu Hub for the use of computers to access learning materials and carry out personal learning. Throughout their learning journey, they undertook a comprehensive curriculum comprised of five modules. These modules encompassed a diverse range of coding concepts and principles, and in the final module, the students were expected to each develop individual projects where they were to create innovative apps designed to address real-life problems.

After the completion of the program, a graduation ceremony was held on the 16th of August at Kenyatta University to recognize the participant’s remarkable achievements. Among those present were students not only from NRCF but also from partner schools, including Kagumo Boys High School, Mang’u Boys High School, and Maryhill Girls High School. The event was graced by distinguished speakers who lent their wisdom. Izzat Begum, a member of the Board of Trustees at DirectEd, articulated the importance of fostering girls’ empowerment within the tech space. Shahaf Bar-Geffen, the CEO of COTI, was the keynote speaker, and he offered perspectives on navigating the tech landscape. Simon, the CEO of DirectEd, also offered a brief speech. Our Programs Director, Kelvin Thuku was also in attendance. The students were then given their certificates with different levels of recognition to mark their successful completion of the program and become the first cohort graduates of this great initiative from the DirectEd Development Foundation. 

Armed with skills in front-end and full-stack development, we have no doubt that our students will leave an unerasable mark in the tech space. We are entirely grateful to DirectEd Development Foundation for equipping our students with these skills. We would also love to show appreciation to the Cardano Community especially those that sponsored our students through this program. We are extremely proud of our graduates for working hard and attaining this recognition. 

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Creating Pathways to Success with The Apprenticeship Program

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) Apprenticeship Program is a hands-on training program that pairs alumni with skilled tradespeople in their field of interest. The program’s goal is to provide our alumni with the skills and confidence they need to excel in their chosen careers.

Alumni from the Ngong Road Children's Foundation learning welding skills

The program was launched in May 2023 with an initial cohort of more than 10 alumni from various fields such as mechanical engineering, hairdressing, fashion and design, welding, and beauty.

The program takes a unique approach to apprenticeship. Experienced professionals coach alums as they take on real-world projects and learn through their implementation, rather than simply shadowing a tradesperson. This allows them to develop their skills and confidence in a practical setting.

Thanks to Ngong Road Children’s foundation, Participants in the NRCF Apprenticeship Program have access to resources for the industry in addition to receiving practical training and mentoring. This covers the hardware, software, and other resources that participants can use to further develop their abilities.

alumni from the Ngong Road Children's Foundation learning hairdressing skills

One of our trainees shared their experience: “Since joining the apprenticeship program by the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth. In just one month, I’ve progressed from needing supervision to confidently working independently. This program has not only equipped me with the skills but also the belief that I can excel in my profession.”

The program has been a success in achieving its goals. Ninety percent of the participants have successfully completed their apprenticeships. The program is also projected to expand significantly in the coming months.

The NRCF Apprenticeship Program has had a positive impact on participants. They have gained practical skills, boosted their self-confidence, and evolved into self-sufficient professionals. The program has also aligned with the foundation’s broader mission of expanding employment opportunities for alumni.The apprenticeship program stands as a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and dedication. We invite you to be a part of our vision as we continue to shape the futures of aspiring professionals through skill-building and empowerment.